I don't see any pictures?

Sorry, I 'm having trouble adjusting to Houzz's new site. I've just gone back in and added them.

Here is a better pic of the pieces already on that wall.

I think you should trust your instincts, because the ones you have already are great.

I would put one of the certificates in the frame with it.

I do stuff like that but I usually have various frames that I try different arrangements inside until I find the one that looks right. Maybe a small sepia map, too?

I like the idea of an antique map along with the spear point. But then I love old maps. I like the idea of doing something along the same lines as your existing work, but think it needs to be different in some way to stand on its own too. You might also be able to integrate the map and the spearhead in the same frame, with the mat cut to fit around both pieces. You could even have your authenticity summarized, printed on a placard and added within the mat. I hope what I envision makes sense.

Hmmm, what do you think about printing a copy of an old geological map in very washed out sepia tones and having my framer use it as the surrounding mat and then use a plain mat directly behind the spearhead . . . if I could even find such a thing?

Interesting idea, but I think a map as the mat would be too busy and might take away from the spearhead as the focal point. I'd have to think more about this one! It might work if the mat behind the spearhead is big enough. The whole mat size thing around and behind the spearhead could be tricky. And I keep meaning to say...what a beautiful spearhead it is!

It might be exactly what you need. OR have the map be the backing with the spearhead and card being the only items in the frame. Maps are easy to find. I was thinking a map of the area where the spearhead was found. You could lighten the map enough that it didn't overpower the spearhead and card. If you do a couple of mock ups and decide the map behind would look good, you can print some out yourself to experiment with but get a larger map printed at Staples or somewhere. I have a large format printer that sucks ink like a vampire sucks blood but I find myself hitting "Print" for every idea I get.

Will this frame be on a different wall or the same wall as the things you have? If the same wall, I would probably see how the same frame looked, or the same mat. I would go nuts finding possibilities! I'd have to have a few more spearheads! Google a topographical map of the area. Maybe a google map of the area in present time??? Printed in black and white or sepia?

Here's a site I've never used before maps

I HAVE used this site a lot David Rumsey

I'm a mapaholic. Without doubt there are old maps; sometimes you have to hunt really hard. I accidently found a 1873 plat map of Richmond, Wi that broke a genealogical brick wall. There will be ONE that speaks to you. That's the one to use.

P.S. Maybe frame a map of the area all by itself and display it next to the framed spearhead.

This is such an incredible piece, before framing I might consult a curator or museum exhibit designer for help so that it is done properly in terms of preservation.

I get what you're saying, but if it survived thousands of years in the dirt, I wouldn't be too worried.

I think the map background is a good idea as long as it's relevant to the piece, i.e, a map of the actual origin area

That is a great piece!! Lucky you!! I think that any of the suggestions would be great. I would surely try to have the info included in the framing.

I suppose I could just like "Lov....'s" suggestion. I too vote for matting the provenance with the artifact.

I would frame it in a 5x5 frame just like the others, and hang it over the others at the point where the three corners meet. In other words, layer it over the others, and if you do it there you won't lose any of them because their mats are so large. I would probsbly use double sided sticky foam tape or something similar to attach it. As for the spearhead's frame, I'd make it just like the others but without the metal corners.

Thank you all so much for your ideas. You have given me a lot to think about and consider. I have already consulted a museum curator who specializes in ancient Native American artifacts. He was one of the others that I contacted and received back information identifying my spearhead as being between 8,000 - 10,000 years old. Oh my gosh, that just blew me out of the water! I had estimated 200 years old max! I like the idea of somehow incorporating a topographical -or some kind of- map of the area where this spearhead was found, which is in the Columbus, Indiana, area. I also think that the idea of adding an identifying bit of information on a card below the mounted spearhead is great. I hadn't considered that!

I realize that, in the whole grand scheme of things, a dilemma about how best to frame a small spearhead is not a major decorating problem, but I appreciate your ideas. To think that 8,000 or so years ago, some long, long, long, long distant ancestor of ours made this, held this, used this spearhead. . . and that it somehow survived all these thousands of years makes me treasure it. And, want to preserve it best for generations to come.

I'll post back once it's framed and show you how it's ended up. If the weather here holds up, I'll be taking it into my framer sometime this week. Again, thanks for taking the time.

Lynn

Wow, I hadn't even thought of that! Thanks, Smiling!

I like that idea, Smiling! It is certainly something to be admired. Lynn, let us know what your framer thinks. I know my favorite framer always comes up with some great ideas.

I love Smiling's idea of having this mounted in an easel-back frame. I hadn't even thought of going that route! My only problem is that there really is no place to prop it up there in our family room, which would be the ideal place for it. What looks like a credenza under the other framed artifacts is actually a tv lift cabinet. Our very large tv comes up out of the top of it. There is no place there to safely prop up a frame. Our kiva fireplace has a very narrow mantel. It's also used a lot, so the heat from it might be a negative. And, the TV tower that holds all the components is now topped with my DH's reconditioned turntable, which looks like heck. Perhaps on the real credenza behind our sofa in there. I've pretty much decided on an 8x10" custom-made shadowbox frame with 2 cutouts: one for the spearhead and one below it for an information card. I loved the idea of using some sort of map (topographical, geological, a map of migrations during the Early Archaic Period, but haven't found one that shows what I want. I've literally spent hours hunting for something on the internet (argh!). I will have my framer add an envelope onto the back to hold a copy of my COA. I'll keep the original in our safe deposit box. BTW, the estimated value of this one spearhead is a minimum of $600 and could climb up to $1,200! That blows me away, although I'm not selling it.

We'll be watching this space for a picture!

I have nothing to add on how to’s but am excited about your
project and can’t wait for you to show it finished. It’s all so interesting.
And, don’t get me started on how Columbus discovered America…as if no one lived
here before or the Vikings never came and there is no shared language and…sorry,
I hate that fake holiday.

LOL, Terrilynn! Columbus Day is NOT a big holiday out here in New Mexico! Our many Native American friends out here get very upset that anyone would be so dense as to think their people "needed discovering". Very touchy subject, with good reason. So, my kids never learned the old "In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue . . . ." song. No class parties on that day here!

Am not going to town today to take my spearhead in, though. We're having bouts of high winds and snow with below freezing temps. It's a better day to stay home and clean.

There is no such thing as a better day to stay home and clean.

I might frame it in a similar outside mat color but use cream as the inner mat, and hang it above the light. That would make it more visible and distinctive but keep it in relationship with other pieces in your fabulous collection.

LOL, Mkitchen . . . I know!

Sgiff, thank you!

I actually took the spearhead into my framer yesterday morning. We picked out the background matting, which, unless we have a change of heart, is going to be a dark brown. I was surprised myself, but it actually shows off the spearhead best. We also decided on a basic size and layout for the frame and then she sent me off to her engraver. There, he and I decided on a brushed, soft looking silver plate with black engraving to add underneath the spearhead. I talked again with the expert who gave me the certificate of authenticity, and between us all, we came up with the wording for the plate. It should be ready for mounting early next week. I can't wait to show it to you all.

Can't wait to see it!